US rejects China’s offer over disputed islands

From the Manila Standard Today (May 2): US rejects China’s offer over disputed islands

The United States on Friday swiftly rejected a suggestion by a top Chinese military official who said that disputed South China Sea islands could be used for international rescue and relief operations.

China’s President Xi Jinping (center) attends a
plenary session during the Asian Africa
Conference in Jakarta on April 22, 2015. Asian
and African leaders have gathered in Indonesia
this week to mark 60 years since a landmark
conference that helped forge a common identity
among emerging states, but analysts say
big-power rivalries will overshadow proclamations
of solidarity. AFP

Beijing has been roundly criticized by the West for construction work on islands in the South China Sea, including the building of an airstrip and other structures.

The Wall Street Journal and other US news organizations, citing a report on the Chinese Defense Ministry website, said Admiral Wu Shengli made the offer to his US counterpart, Admiral Jonathan Greenert, in a video conference.

Wu said China’s reclamation work on the disputed islands “will not threaten freedom of navigation and overflight” and will enhance the capacity for weather forecasting, maritime search and rescue and other public goods, and help to protect international maritime security, The Journal said, quoting the Chinese defense ministry report.

“We welcome international organizations, the US and relevant countries to use these facilities, when conditions are ripe, to conduct cooperation on humanitarian rescue and disaster relief,” the Chinese admiral was quoted as saying.

State Department acting deputy spokesman Jeff Rathke said Washington was not interested.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/05/02/us-rejects-china-s-offer-over-disputed-islands/

Basit Usman killed in Maguindanao firefight - military source

From InterAksyon (May 3): Basit Usman killed in Maguindanao firefight - military source



Basit Usman, Marwan's trainee in bomb-making: end of the road at noon in Maguindanao? FILE VIDEO GRAB

Filipino bomb-maker Basit Usman, the target of a massive government dragnet since the January 25 Mamasapano mission where he escaped as police commandos were closing in on Malaysian terrorist Marwan, was killed before noon Sunday, according to reliable military intelligence sources.

Usman and two comrades were shot dead when his group encountered a unit under a commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) before noon Sunday in Guindolongan town in Maguindanao - not government forces as earlier reported.

“Yes, Usman is dead, It’s confirmed,” a high-ranking intelligence officer told InterAsyon.com, though an official military confirmation has been withheld "pending verification on the ground."

The MILF group that encountered Usman’s group was reportedly led by a certain Commander Marlboro under the 106th Base Command of the MILF, that in turn is led by Wahid Tundok.
Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman and Civil Relations Service (CRS) chief,  “We’re still getting verification and confirmation on the ground."

The encounter happened at around 11:30 a.m. in Barangay Mote near Camp Afdal, according to the intelligence source.

There had been reports, since the military launched an offensive to get Usman, that the alleged bomb-maker said to have been trained by Marwan (real name: Zulkifli bin Hir) and his men were being coddled by some members of the MILF faction, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Usman and Amin Baco alias Jihad, a Malaysian terrorist, as well as four other “foreign-looking terrorists” had eluded the Special Action Force (SAF) raid of January 25 in Tukanalipao village in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, where Marwan was shot dead. The mission proved tragic, though, as it led to the death of 44 SAF men, 17 MILF members and three civilians, and plunged the Aquino presidency into its worst political crisis. Hundreds of MILF fighters as well as from its faction, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and private armed groups pinned down the police commandos as they withdrew from the area where they had killed Marwan, sparking a 12-hour battle.

Between them, Marwan and Usman had been blamed for killing dozens of Filipinos in several missions in a decade-long career. Both had warrants of arrest for these bombing capers.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/109866/basit-usman-killed-in-maguindanao-firefight---military-source

MILF: Editorial -- The good side of ‘demonization’

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (May 2): Editorial -- The good side of ‘demonization’

Of course, demon is a demon and will always be. There is no such thing as good demon. But for argument’s sake, let us just suppose there is still good side to demon or demonization, so we can see explore it or at least allows us to appreciate whatever is the condition at a given time, because that is the only condition. Hoping for other condition makes one daydream.

Those who call for this demonization or dehumanization constantly refer to those they are at war with, or who oppose them, as inhuman, insects that must be stamped out, animals that do not even cry when their own children are murdered. As we have seen in many conflicts in the world, demonization of a particular group can quickly escalate into massacre, genocide and mass exoduses resulting in refugees desperately searching for a safe haven. Or in its flipside, as in the case of the Mamasapano incident, it was easily described as “massacre” or “murders”, because those who fought the SAF commandos are tagged as “demons”.  This is the reason why such controversial descriptions of the incident as either “massacre” or “murder” were used.

This incident has been seen as a game changer or deal breaker. As a consequence of it, nobody thinks there is still life to the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Many call for the total abandonment of the BBL. There is also so much loathing of the MILF, Muslims and Islam. They are pictured as lacking in any moral standards and no conscience, because they (MILF fighters) shot and killed 44 SAF commandos (who are armed to the teeth and under cover of darkness).

Surely, this is a very dangerous road to go down.  But those who are angry, emotionally-charged, and filled with hatred, prejudices or biases would not care for anything.

But those who believe in peace persevered, so that today, the BBL is slowly showing life again.  The demonization has allowed full discussion of the proposed law. Every side of it has been dissected and examined. Because it was on the verge of death, many came to its succor. Amongst them are those conscience-guided individuals or groups who want peace in our midst, instead of war. They see the BBL as an affirmative action in the right direction.

The truth is that by solving the so-called Moro Question or Problem is solving the Philippine problem. Silencing this raging bloody conflict in Mindanao will afford this country to concentrate on building its external defense.  It is no secret that an armed bully is already in the doorstep of this country.

For those who only see doomsday in the BBL, let them enjoy their fear. They are people who always see the negative side of life; they are those who do not trust others, because they lack confidence in themselves. Most if not all of this breed are not and can never be effective leaders of men and states. They will bring us down.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/923-the-good-side-of-demonization

MILF: “BBL not designed to benefit the MILF alone”: OPAPP

Posted to the MILF Website (May 1): “BBL not designed to benefit the MILF alone”: OPAPP

“The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is not designed to benefit the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) alone”, Jose Lorena, Undersecretary for Bangsamoro Affairs of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said.

He said that the BBL seeks to address the clamor for genuine autonomy in Mindanao and not to appease any revolutionary group.

"The BBL is not for MILF alone. BBL should be equated with meaningful autonomy, which is to capture the articulation not only of the Moro fronts but the Muslims in Southern Philippines," said Lorena, who served as a panel discussant on the historical perspective and context of the Bangsamoro peace process during the launching of the "Pro-POLITICS for Peace."

"It is not a negotiation with the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front), neither it is a negotiation with the MILF. It is the recognition of the just causes of the Muslims in southern Philippines for meaningful autonomy, and therefore it should be inclusive," he added.

According to Lorena, the gains of previous peace agreements have been incorporated in the draft BBL, which is the product of the government's peace negotiations with the MILF.

"I would correct the impression that the law that we are crafting loses sight of the historical past because if you look into the draft law, there is the linking of the powers achieved in the 1996 Final Peace Agreement to the present agreement," Lorena said.

"Any law that will be crafted now would not be for the MILF, neither will it be for the MNLF, that is why the MILF and MNLF have always said that they are the vanguards of the Muslim people and therefore the representatives of the Bangsamoro people."

The current Bangsamoro peace process, he noted, is now on the legislative process.

Once enacted by congress and ratified by the people in the proposed area of autonomy, BBL will put in place the new autonomous region called Bangsamoro.

"Negotiation is really a power vested in the executive, but legislation to make the resolution in a negotiated settlement permanent is to be legislated and the power of legislation is the power of Congress, because it will become an institutional policy for the governance of Southern Philippines," Lorena said.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/922-bbl-not-designed-to-benefit-the-milf-alone-opapp

MILF: “Present alternative solutions”, PNoy urged BBL critics

Posted to the MILF Website (May 1): “Present alternative solutions”, PNoy urged BBL critics

President Benigno Aquino, who recently attended the 26th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Malaysia urged critics of the proposed  Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to present alternative solutions to the conflict in Mindanao instead of just complaining about the peace initiative following the Mamasapano tragedy.

The President said that if they have no better alternative they should instead rally behind efforts to bring just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

Aquino’s appeal to the anti-BBL critics was made before he returned to Manila on Tuesday (April 27) from the ASEAN summit.

“Hinahamon ko ulit lahat ng kritiko nito, kung mayroon kayong talagang kayang imungkahi na mas maganda, bakit hindi ninyo isulong? Ngayon, kung wala naman kayong maisulong na maganda, baka naman pwede tumulong na lang kayo [I am challenging critics of the measure that if they have a better solution, why don’t you pursue it? Now, if they cannot present anything good, they should just help us],” Aquino said.

“Sa dulo nito, pare-pareho tayong Pilpino, kung hindi natin aasikasuhin ‘yung bayan natin, walang mag-aasikaso para sa atin [In the end, we are all Filipinos. If we will not help our nation, nobody will do it for us],” he added.

Nevertheless, despite the seemingly negative attitude of some lawmakers on BBL, the president is hopeful that they can open their minds and support the proposed law pending before Congress as a result of the Mamasapano tragedy.

“Right after, or at the height of the Mamasapano crisis, ano ba ang sinasabi? Tigil na ang diskusyon, wala nang nagsasabi kung kailan ang resumption. May mga nagsabi pa sigurong tapos na itong BBL na ito, etc. Ngayon, nag-uusap na sila ng schedule kailan matatapos [Right after or the height of the Mamasapano crisis, what did they say? Stop the discussion, nobody mentioned when the resumption of the hearing will be held. Some people even said BBL is already dead. Now, they are talking about the schedule, when the hearing will be completed],” he said.

 “At may kumpiyansa ako sa Kongreso, pagkatapos doon sa taumbayan na boboto sa plebisito, na talagang magkakaroon ng kaganapan itong BBL,” he added.

He said the nation must not waste the opportunity to end the decades-old conflict in Mindanano. 

He warned that here is no guarantee that this chance will happen again with both parties open to pursuing the peace process in the south, he said.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/921-present-alternative-solutions-pnoy-urged-bbl-critics

Army troopers encounter NPAs

From the Manila Times (May 3): Army troopers encounter NPAs

Cavinti, Laguna: Philippine Army troopers from the 1st Infantry Battalion, 202nd Brigade engaged a group of suspected communist rebels in a firefight on Saturday at Sitio Magipang, Brgy. Mahabang Lalim, General Nakar, Quezon.

The firefight against armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) sub-regional guerrilla unit lasted for about 40 minutes.

According to local residents who witnessed the encounter, the NPAs suffered a number of casualties. The outgunned guerrillas withdrew towards Brgy. Pagsangahan. No government trooper was hurt in the incident.

An AK47 assault rifle with four magazines, one M16 rifle, one M1 carbine rifle, three homemade shotguns, a Motorola HH radio and three backpacks containing personal belongings and subversive documents were left by the fleeing rebels.

Prior to the encounter, there were reports received by the 1st Infantry Battalion that communist terrorists are spotted in the area.

Sources said the NPAs are set to conduct tactical offensive actions against government forces and other targets, particularly government facilities in the area.

Col. Rodel Mauro Alarcon, commander of the 202nd Brigade, assured the public that they will continue to secure area.

http://www.manilatimes.net/army-troopers-encounter-npas/180251/

Soldier killed in encounter with armed men in Zamboanga Sibugay

From ABS-CBN (May 2): Soldier killed in encounter with armed men in Zamboanga Sibugay

A soldier of the Philippine Army was killed in an encounter with a group of armed men in Barangay Tenan, Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay Saturday afternoon.

Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma said personnel of Ipil Municipal Police Station went to Barangay Tenan to verify a report on the presence of a suspicious motorcycle and armed men.

However, the armed men immediately fired at the police upon their arrival in the area. Personnel from the Provincial Public Safety Company, who went to help the policemen, were also met with heavy gunfire.

The police patrol vehicle caught fire after it was hit by a M-203 grenade rifle and high powered ammunition.

The soldiers from 44th Infantry Batallion, whose company headquarters is just few meters away from the encounter site, responded to the area. A fierce firefight ensued. A soldier died after sustaining gun shot wounds on his body.

Palma said several others were wounded, including some civilians.

The wounded soldiers and civilians were rushed to a nearby hospital in Ipil.
Five houses also burned down in Barangay Tenan amidst the firefight.

It is unclear, though, as of this writing, who started burning the houses down.
A number of families in the area evacuated to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Palma said most of the families who evacuated went to their relatives living in nearby barangays in Ipil, while some opted to stay in barangay halls.

Policemen and soldiers in Zamboanga Sibugay have been on a pursuit operation for almost a month now, to locate the abductors of Naga Mayor Gemma Adana, who was forcibly taken by armed men from her house on April 6.

Palma believes that Adana and her abductors are still hiding in Zamboanga Sibugay as of this time, although there are unverified information that the abducted official has been brought to Sulu and handed over to members of the Abu Sayyaf Group.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/02/15/soldier-killed-encounter-armed-men-zamboanga-sibugay

ROUND-UP | 79 CPP-NPA-NDF leaders arrested from 2011 to March 2015

From InterAksyon (Apr 30): ROUND-UP | 79 CPP-NPA-NDF leaders arrested from 2011 to March 2015

Apparent complacency and slackened vigilance on the part of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), its armed wing New People's Army (NPA) and negotiating arm National Democratic Front (NDF), coupled by stepped-up intelligence operations by the government's security establishment, contributed to the neutralization of at least 79 high-ranking rebels, a confidential briefing document indicated.

The outcome, covering the period 2011 to March 2015, was spelled out in a joint military and police document marked "confidential" obtained by InterAksyon.com

From January to March 31 alone this year, nine communist leaders from the national, regional and front levels were either arrested or killed in intelligence and combat operations launched by the military and police.

The data showed that, from 2011 to 2014, a total of 70 communist leaders were neutralized as the result of armed encounters with government troops.

The list also indicated that some of these communist leaders opted to surrender when cornered.

In 2012, 10 rebel leaders were arrested, followed by 19 in 2013 and 34 in 2014.

On Monday this week, NDF chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni announced that peace talks with the government may resume in May as long as the government releases from jail 16 of its "peace consultants" including Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, vice chairman/acting chairman of the CPP and CPP secretary general/CPP head national finance commission, respectively.

AFP chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said he believed the arrest of the Tiamzons was a big blow to the 46 years old communist armed struggle, the longest in Asia, and led to a "leadership vacuum" in the CPP-NPA-NDF.

The Tiamzons are currently detained at the Philippine National Police's (PNP) Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Last week, Catapang welcomed the suggestion of Jalandoni for the resumption of peace talks.

Jalandoni had claimed the supposed armed strength of the NPA has reached 10,000, more than twice the military's estimate of only more or less 4,000 fighters.

"You know that's part of the CPP-NPA-NDF propaganda, to bloat the number of their NPA comrades. Over the last 10 years, more particularly the last five years, the NPA had lost and is continuing to lose what they called their 'mass base' as a result of the extensive implementation of the AFP's Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.

"Many areas throughout the country have already been liberated from CPP-NPA-NDF influence, the latest of which is the province of Albay in Bicol Region. As I said before, countryside development will kill the communist movement," AFP spokesman and Civil Relations Service (CRS) Chief Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala said.

In February 2011, the NDF turned its back on the negotiating table as it accused the government of tolerating the military and police move of arresting its "peace consultants" and thus violating the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

But the government stood pat on its position that those being arrested had nothing to do with the peace talks, besides being the subject of standing arrest warrants for a string of alleged criminal cases filed in courts against them.

Other neutralized high-ranking communist leaders include: Bicol Regional Party Committee spokesman, Greg Banares; Christine Puche alias Abby, Editor Dagundong ng Bikol; Ramer Añonuevo, Head, National SOG; Arnel Balucas alias Layab, PO/Secretary, KLG Northeast, Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC); Agaton Topacio alias Cosme, Former CO, ROC, Central Luzon Regional Committee; Jesus Porquez alias Edcel, Chief, Regional Special Operations Group, ROC, Komiteng Rehiyon, Panay; Reniel Cellon alias Kumpol/Gogo/Randy/ Niel VCO, Apolinario "Boy" Gatmaitan Command, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros; Helen Iloria alias Inyang, Finance Officer & Former Secretary, Regional White Area Committee, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee and Maria Loyda Tuzo Magpatoc alias Gwen/Hero, Secretary, Far South Mindanao Region and Vincent Estrada, Head of Instructor's Bureau of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/109741/79-cpp-npa-ndf-leaders-arrested-from-2011-to-march-2015

China blasts US-Philippines military drill

From ABS-CBN (May 1): China blasts US-Philippines military drill

BEIJING - China on Thursday said a military drill by the United States and the Philippines is "muscle flexing," and not good for the region's peace and stability.

"Some countries consolidate their military alliances, hold large-scale military exercises and create tension in the region. This goes against the trend of the times of peace, development, cooperation and reciprocity," said Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng at a regular press briefing.

"To reinforce military alliances and flex muscles is not good for regional peace and stability," Geng said while commenting on the "Balikatan," (shoulder-to-shoulder) maneuvers that began on April 20.

According to Philippine media, this year's annual drill involved more than 11,000 U.S. and Philippine military personnel and 61 Australian soldiers, the largest in 15 years.

"There are always some people hyping 'China threat'. Under the current circumstances when there is such a large-scale military drill, we can't help asking: who is making tension in the region and threatening regional peace and stability?" Geng said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/30/15/china-blasts-us-philippines-military-drill

AFP: NPA strength in Eastern Mindanao declines

From the Philippine Star (May 1): AFP: NPA strength in Eastern Mindanao declines



The arrests were undertaken jointly with the Philippine National Police. File photo

The strength of communist rebels in Eastern Mindanao weakened in the first quarter due to high number of arrests and surrenders, the military said.

Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command public affairs chief Cpt. Alberto Caber claimed the number of New People’s Army (NPA) members as of end-March went down to 1,866 from 2,049 in the same period last year.

He said the number of NPA firearms was reduced to 2,300 from 2,379 while the number of guerilla fronts was slashed to 26 from 29.

The military, Caber said, was able to remove NPA influence in 54 villages as the number of barangays affected by insurgents was reduced to 496 from 550.

“The significant decrease in the first quarter of 2015 was due to the high number of arrested NPA members, killed NPA during encounters and NPA members who surrendered with high-powered and low-powered firearms,” Caber said.

The arrests were undertaken jointly with the Philippine National Police, he added.

Caber said they expect another “remarkable accomplishment” in the second quarter.
The Eastern Mindanao Command secures Davao, an area with huge concentration of insurgents. The military said the number of NPA rebels stood at 3,200 as of the end of 2014.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/05/01/1450068/afp-npa-strength-eastern-mindanao-declines

NPAs, government forces clash in Surigao del Sur

From GMA News (May 1): NPAs, government forces clash in Surigao del Sur

A joint pursuit operation against suspected New People's Army men who ambushed personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology led to another encounter in Surigao del Sur between the military and suspected members of the NPA rebels.

 

The Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division said the encounter happened at the vicinity of Sitio Boringon, Barangay Mahaba in Marihatag town at past 5 a.m. on Thursday morning.

Troops from the 36th Infantry Brigade, the 7th and 9th Special Forces Company, and the Provincial Public Safety Company of the Philippine National Police were conducting the operation in the area when they were fired upon by around nine suspected NPA members of the Guerilla Front Committee 19B of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, the 4th ID said.

The encounter lasted for about 15 minutes and the NPA members were "forced to leave the area," the 4th ID said, adding that government troops recovered one AK-47 with ammunitions, materials to make an improvised explosive device, "subversive documents, and personal belongings."

The encounter happened in the middle of a joint pursuit operation in line with an ambush on Monday, when suspected NPA rebels rescued two of its detained members. Two jail guards were killed, while three others were reportedly taken as well.
 

The 4th ID on Friday said three BJMP personnel were wounded in the ambush, and identified those kidnapped as SO2 Feliciano Polana and SO2 Juan Salazar. 

It added that the NPA rebels burned down a container van during the ambush.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/480018/news/regions/npas-government-forces-clash-in-surigao-del-sur

BBL means meaningful Bangsamoro autonomy, not power for any group

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 2): BBL means meaningful Bangsamoro autonomy, not power for any group

The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is designed to address the clamor for a genuine autonomy in Mindanao, and not as an appeasement to any revolutionary group.

 “The BBL is not for MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) alone.  BBL should be equated with meaningful autonomy, which is to capture the articulation not only of the Moro fronts but the Muslims in Southern Philippines,” said Jose Lorena, Undersecretary for Bangsamoro Affairs of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

 “I would like to underscore that the Bangsamoro Basic Law, in what form it may be passed should be intended to build meaningful and effective institutions in order to make autonomy efficient and effective in addressing the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people for good governance,” he added.

Lorena gave a solidarity message in behalf of Sec. Teresita Quintos Deles and served as a panel discussant   on the historical perspective and context of the Bangsamoro peace process, during the launching of the “Pro-POLITICS for Peace,” which aims to provide a platform for the various stakeholders particularly the  local government units (LGU)s from Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi region to articulate interest and at the same time capacitate them “on the concept of autonomy within the broader peace process”.

It was conducted back-to-back with the forum  “Politics and Governance for Peace: Opportunities and Challenges” in Zamboanga City on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. Both events were conducted by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), in partnership with other organizations and funded by the Australian government.

Lorena said the Bangsamoro peace process should be understood under the “parens patriae” concept – “meaning the government as the parent of the entire constituency of the Republic of the Philippines.”

“It is not a negotiation with the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front), neither it is a negotiation with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front).  It is the recognition of the just causes of the Muslims in southern Philippines for meaningful autonomy, and therefore it should be inclusive,” he said.

The Bangsamoro rebellion started in 1970s at the height of Martial Law. The MNLF initially led the rebellion, and followed by the MILF, whose stronghold is in Central Mindanao. Both organizations had signed separate peace deals with the government.

Lorena explained the context of the draft BBL, saying that the gains of previous peace agreements have been incorporated in the draft bill.

“I would correct the impression that the law that we are crafting loses sight of the historical past because if you look into the draft law, there is the linking of the powers achieved in the 1996 Final Peace Agreement to the present agreement,” he said.

“Any law that will be crafted now would not be for the MILF, neither will it be for the MNLF, that is why the MILF and MNLF have always said that they are the vanguards of the Muslim people and therefore the representatives of the Bangsamoro people,” he continued.

The current Bangsamoro peace process, he said, is now on the legislative process. “Under that context, we should look into two perspectives: the perspective of negotiation, and the perspective of legislation,” he explained.

“Negotiation is really a power vested in the executive, but legislation to make the resolution in a negotiated settlement permanent is to be legislated and the power of legislation is the power of Congress, because it will become an institutional policy for the governance of Southern Philippines,” he added. (OPAPP)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1781430467850/bbl-means-meaningful-bangsamoro-autonomy-not-power-for-any-group----opapp

Abu holding Zambo Sibugay town mayor; 7 would-be victims of human trafficking rescued

From MindaNews (May 1): Abu holding Zambo Sibugay town mayor; 7 would-be victims of human trafficking rescued

Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu are now holding Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, a military official said Friday.

Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma, Task Force Zambasulta commander, said they received reports that Adana was taken to Sulu and her captors were moving her from one place to another.

He said troops were trying to track down their location.

Senior Supt. Jose Bayani Gucela, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, reported Friday that Adana “is somewhere in Indanan, Sulu although it is still subject for validation/confirmation, thus, continued Intel-driven operations and profiling of the suspected areas is still on-going.”

Gunmen clad in camouflage uniforms seized Adana in the evening of April 6 in Barangay Taytay Manubo, Naga.

Adana was with her family, friends and visitors at her residence when the gunmen barged in and seized her.

Gucela said one of Adana’s abductors has been identified as Abral Abdusallam.

Abdusallam is suspected to be a member of a kidnap-for-ransom-group based in Zamboanga Sibugay.

“While there may be some other parties involved, but definitely the ones holding (her) now are the (members of the) ASG,” Yoma said.

“That is the modus operandi now. Somebody will abduct the subject (victim) and transport them to either Basilan or Sulu and then the ASG will take care from there,” he added.

He said they did not know if the kidnappers had demanded ransom in exchange for the release of Adana.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday the Sea-Based Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force arrested a suspected illegal recruiter and rescued seven would-be victims of human trafficking in this city.

Senior Supt. Angelito Casimiro, Zamboanga City police director, said the suspect identified as a certain Cabarubias, 32, of Davao City was arrested around 5 p.m. Wednesday at the local wharf.

Casimiro said the task force also rescued seven would-be victims of illegal recruitment who are all women.

He said the suspect recruited the victims and facilitated their travel to Dubai via Malaysia. The recruiter promised them employment “in the country of their destination.”

He said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group was readying charges against the suspect.

He said the victims were turned over to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

He said the arrest and rescue were results of concerted efforts against human trafficking after the local port was identified as a transshipment point of illegal recruiters.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/05/01/abu-holding-zambo-sibugay-town-mayor-7-would-be-victims-of-human-trafficking-rescued/

Normalization to develop unity of communities in Bangsamoro

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 1): Normalization to develop unity of communities in Bangsamoro

The normalization process that aims to establish peace and security of communities in Bangsamoro has the socio-economic development as one of its components.

The socio-economic development is agreed by both the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to “intensify development efforts for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and development of the Bangsamoro, and institute programs to address the needs of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Force (BIAF) members, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and poverty-stricken communities.”

Programs under this component will target communities in Bangsamoro to strengthen their unity by reinforcing social cohesion.

A decommissioning for BIAF members to assess their needs and skills shall also be undertaken by both Parties. This is also to develop a responsive program that addresses their needs and that of their communities.

A trust fund shall be also established to assist the normalization process. This can attract multi-donor country support.

Other components of the normalization include security aspect which deals with the new police system in the communities in Bangsamoro, and the transitional justice and reconciliation which tackles the “legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people, correct historical injustices, and address human rights violations.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521430461179/normalization-to-develop-unity-of-communities-in-bangsamoro

Normalization leads to new security in Bangsamoro

From the Philippine Information Agency (May1): Normalization leads to new security in Bangsamoro

Communities that will be under the proposed Bangsamoro will no longer be affected by armed conflict as new security will be implemented within the area as part of normalization process.

The Independent Commission on Policing (ICP) will be responsible for recommending proper policing in Bangsamoro that will consider cultural sensitivities in relation to constitutional parameters.

According to their report submitted to the Philippine Government on April 14, 2015, ICP stated that, “the police for the Bangsamoro shall be professional, civilian in character, effective and efficient in law enforcement, fair and impartial, and accountable under the law for its actions.”

The ICP further stated that the police “shall be responsible both to the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government, and the communities it serves.”

In line with security, an Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) with its Chairman Haydar Berk from Turkey will oversee the decommissioning of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) forces and weapons.

In the decommissioning, a graduate program shall be undertaken by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to turn-in weapons.

The MILF will also coordinate with the Philippine Government to disband private armed groups.

Furthermore, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be redeployed orderly by the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government as part of the normalization in Bangsamoro.

However, the AFP will still retain their installations for national defense and security.

The normalization process will begin once Bangsamoro will be created.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521430461240/normalization-leads-to-new-security-in-bangsamoro

Palace: Govt verifying reports Basit Usman wounded in Lanao

From GMA News (May 2): Palace: Govt verifying reports Basit Usman wounded in Lanao

Government is verifying reports that suspected bomber Basit Usman had been wounded in an encounter in the Lanao area, Malacañang said Saturday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said they received reports of Usman being wounded but added the Defense Department is still confirming the report.

"We have received reports saying he was wounded in an encounter. We are in the process of confirming this," she said on government-run dzRB radio.

Usman is a wanted bomber targeted by Philippine authorities in an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

The Jan. 25 clash killed 44 Special Action Force troopers and 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters

Last Feb. 13, Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said Usman is believed wounded and is likely hiding in Mamasapano in Maguindanao.

In an interview on dzBB radio, Mangudadatu said Basit Usman is wounded in the shoulder and may be moving around the town.

In text messages to GMA News Online on Saturday morning, both Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala and Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Captain Rowena Muyuela said they are still verifying the information from the ground.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/480330/news/nation/palace-govt-verifying-reports-basit-usman-wounded-in-lanao

China trying to deceive international community to justify behavior in West Philippine Sea

From Ang Malaya (May 1): China trying to deceive international community to justify behavior in West Philippine Sea

The Foreign Ministry of China is trying to deceive the international community to justify its massive reclamation in West Philippine Sea and forcefully advance its maritime claims. “For quite a long time, a few ASEAN countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam have been carrying out large-scale construction on China’s maritime features of Nansha illegally seized by them,” a Chinese foreign ministry official said.

“The Philippines has built and expanded an airport on China’s Zhongye Dao (Pag-asa Island) of Nansha (Spratly), and built a dock and other facilities on the island. It has also built so-called tourism facilities on Zhongye Dao, Mahuan Dao (Lawak Island), Feixin Dao (Patag Island) and other islands and reefs,” the communist country’s foreign ministry said. “What’s more, the Philippines has attempted to occupy the Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) by reinforcing its illegally “grounded” military vessel on it.”

What the communist country did not say was Philippines built an airstrip in Pagasa Island and grounded a military vessel in Ayungin Shoal prior to the signing of the 2002 Declaration On The Conduct Of Parties In The South China Sea in which ASEAN members and China are signatories. Article 5 of the said declaration says parties must “exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability.”

“If the Chinese can show pictures that we are also developing our area, they can show it,” Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said.

“We are just maintaining the area and we could have easily repaired our runway but we await for the decision of the ITLOS before we can decide what the next move will be or develop our controlled areas in the West Philippine Sea,” the top military official said.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/05/01/10597-china-trying-to-deceive-international-community-to-justify-behavior-in-west-philippine-sea

PHL-US land, air assets open fire culminating Balikatan 2015

Ang Malaya (May 1): PHL-US land, air assets open fire culminating Balikatan 2015

Balikatan 2015 was culminated April 30 in Crow Valley, Capas, Tarlac with Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise. United States and Philippine Forces utilized assets from their respective Army, Marine Corp and Air Force.

“CALFEX is the culminating phase of the Balikatan Excercise itself, initially we started with Field Training Exercise (FTX), we trained together in Forth Magsaysay now we are here to apply what learned,” Task Force Kalayaan commander Colonel Lawrence Mina of Philippine Army said.

“When we say combined arms, its combining air assets, ground assets and all the different kinds of capabilities that they offer and synchronizing those assets at a given point in time and space,” says 2nd Strike Brigade commander Colonel Dave Womack of 25th Infantry Division of the US Army.

Balikatan Exercise has been conducted every year in 31 years now. US Exercise Director Lt. Gen. John Toolan said “each year we get a little bit better, each start we start working and integrating new equipment, new ideas, new concept and trying to enhance the command and control capability so that if a crisis should occur we can plug in right together and have no problem communicating between each other.”

“We have made new and better initiatives and this is, by far, the biggest Balikatan in terms of manpower and equipment,” Philippine Exercise Director Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez said.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/05/01/10594-phl-us-land-air-assets-open-fire-culminating-balikatan-2015

Town claims losses from Balikatan

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 2): Town claims losses from Balikatan



A US ARMY Chinook helicopter transports a 155-mm howitzer during Balikatan live fire exercises at Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac province. WILLIE LOMIBAO/INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON
CAPAS, Tarlac—The mayor of this town is asking Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago to help the local government collect compensation from the US government for economic losses each day American and Filipinos trained for live firing in Crow Valley here, the route to world-famous Mt. Pinatubo crater lake.

Tour guides, drivers and operators of off-road vehicles, and auxiliary workers, most of them Aeta, have lost P900,000 daily since April 20 when the Balikatan war games began in Barangay Sta. Juliana, the village closest to the volcano, according to Mayor Antonio Rodriguez. April and May are the peak of hiking events to Mt. Pinatubo.

“During this period, all the usual social and economic activities in the area are brought to a standstill because of the prohibition on the entry of civilians,” Rodriguez said in a letter to Santiago, chair of the Legislative Oversight Committee on the Visiting Forces Agreement.

But Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, Balikatan exercise director, said what Rodriguez had raised was an “old issue.”

“I don’t have an answer right now about the supposed [P900,000 daily losses] or the need to make any compensation. But Crow Valley, even in the past, is a traditional military reservation. It’s really a traditional target area,” he said.

Lopez said tourists are not allowed to go to the Mt. Pinatubo crater lake during live fire exercises at Crow Valley. “But this is being done through proper coordination with the local government concerned,” he added.

Crow Valley used to be a gunnery range of the 13th US Air Force until 1991 when the Senate voted to close down US bases. The 18,000-hectare Crow Valley is under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Air Force.

Rodriguez said 53 percent (19,972 ha) of the land area of Capas remained part of former military reservation areas attached to the Clark Freeport and Clark Special Economic Zone.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/688848/town-claims-losses-from-balikatan

LEGACY OF HOPE | Balikatan troops build calamity-resistant classrooms for kids in Palawan, Panay

From InterAksyon (May 2): LEGACY OF HOPE | Balikatan troops build calamity-resistant classrooms for kids in Palawan, Panay

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – His face radiating with confidence and gratefulness, Howard Sam Ibañez thanked the soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), US Armed Forces and Australian Defense Force for building new classrooms for him and his schoolmates.

Speaking from past experiences as a student of Sta. Lourdes Elementary School in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Ibañez said he is thankful for the new classrooms built there by the participating soldiers as part of Balikatan Exercises 2015’s (BK15’s) Humanitarian and Civic Assistance (HCA) events.

Wilmalyn Esoy, principal of Sta. Lourdes Elementary School, said “thank you” is not enough to match the efforts of the AFP, US and ADF soldiers who labored day and night for the completion of the classrooms.

“We assure them that these buildings will be used for the utmost benefits of our youth,” she said.

Calamity-resistant

Lieutenant Commander Mike Guzzi, US Navy, operations officer of the Balikatan Exercises 2015 (BK 15) HCA programs in Palawan and Panay, said that the combined soldiers participating in the bilateral exercises built eight classrooms in Palawan and two classrooms in Panay.

He said the classrooms could accommodate 30-50 students.

He added that they chose the Sta. Lourdes as one of their beneficiaries because they were considering the possibility of further overcrowding in the school as an effect of the newly-adapted curriculum K to12.

Commodore James Meyer, US Navy, said in his speech during the turnover ceremony and inauguration of the school buildings in Sta. Lourdes that the combined efforts of the AFP, US and ADF soldiers is leaving behind typhoon and earthquake resistant structures to students. He said that these buildings will be able to withstand calamities in the future.

He also said they hope these could serve generations after generations of Filipino students who would one day lead the country.

Testaments of friendship

Meyer said the strong foundations of the school buildings they were leaving behind to students in Palawan and Panay are manifestations of the soldiers’ commitment to service.

“The United States remains committed in its friendship to the Republic of the Philippines. These classrooms are testaments of everyone involved in its building,” he said.

He also said the construction of the school classrooms left behind fond memories in the US soldiers’ minds that they will forever treasure.

"As the soldiers are preparing to part ways as Balikatan wraps up, we are not just leaving behind a school, not just memories. We are leaving behind friendships...friendships that would stand the tests of time...We'll be leaving a part of our hearts behind," he added.

Vice Admiral Alexander S Lopez, AFP, BK 15 Exercise Director, called on the students of Sta. Lourdes to take care of the classrooms that this year’s Balikatan participants are leaving behind.

He set aside his prepared speech to speak from the heart for the gathered crowd at Sta. Lourdes Elementary School.

“We want to see these classrooms still standing eight to 10 years from now. Take care of them so future students could use them too,” he said.

He said they opted to build school buildings because it symbolizes the future of the country – the youth.

“It is where learning starts and with it you will be able to help your fellowmen too,” he added.

He thanked the students, parents and teachers for allowing the soldiers of AFP, US and ADF to become part of their lives even just for a few days.

"Let us remember our soldiers from the AFP, US Armed Forces and Australian Defense Forces as the builders of peace, builders of progress, builders of development and, most of all, builders of hope," he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/109813/legacy-of-hope--balikatan-troops-build-calamity-resistant-classrooms-for-kids-in-palawan-panay

Coverage Intermittant

I've been having serious back and knee problems this past week. The pain makes it hard to concentrate. Just part of the aging process. Docs say I need surgery. Will do my best to keep the blog active for as long as I can.

Best regards,
Retired Analyst

Soldier wounded in clash with NPA

From the Mindanao Times (May 1): Soldier wounded in clash with NPA

A SOLDIER was wounded when troops belonging to the 69^th Infantry Battalion encountered members of the New People’s Army in Barangay Fatima, Paquibato District on Wednesday afternoon.

Lt. Vergel Lacambra, spokesperson of 10^th Infantry Division, identified the wounded  as Pfc Alvin Abellon who sustained a gunshot wound on his left leg.

He was airlifted by a helicopter and brought to Panacan army hospital for treatment.

Lacambra said the soldiers clashed with at least 20 members of the of Pulang Bagani Command 1 in Sitio Kimotod.

Maj. Gen. Eduardo Ano, commander of 10^th ID, said the soldiers will continue to hunt down the armed group. “We will work harder just to keep our communities safe and secure from NPA threats,”Ano said.

 http://mindanaotimes.net/soldier-wounded-in-clash-with-npa/

US says China's activity in South China Sea won't help peace

From InterAksyon (May 2): US says China's activity in South China Sea won't help peace

The US State Department said on Friday that China's activities building on reclaimed land in the South China Sea do not contribute to peace in the region, regardless of how the facilities are used.

China has said the United States and other countries would be welcome to use civilian facilities it is building for search and rescue and other purposes.

State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke said the US position is that this activity does not add to regional stability.

China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas, with overlapping claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Recent satellite images show China has made rapid progress in building an airstrip suitable for military use in the disputed Spratly Islands and may be planning another.

Those moves, along with other reclamations, have caused alarm around the region and in Washington too, with the issue dominating a summit of Southeast Asian leaders this week, to China's displeasure.

In a teleconference with the US Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert, China's navy chief Wu Shengli said China's building work in the South China Sea would not affect freedom of navigation or overflight.

"Instead, it will improve the ability in these seas of public services like weather forecasting and maritime search and rescue, fulfilling international obligations to maintain the security of international seas," Wu said, according to a Chinese Defense Ministry statement released late on Thursday.

"(We) welcome international organizations, the United States and relevant countries to use these facilities in the future when conditions are right, to have cooperation on humanitarian search and rescue and disaster relief," Wu added.

The statement cited Greenert as saying he hoped China could explain to countries in the region in a timely manner the aim of the building work. It would also be good for maintaining stability and freedom of navigation if other countries could use such facilities for joint humanitarian operations, he said.

Disputes over how to tackle an increasingly assertive stance by China - an ally of several Southeast Asian states - in the strategic South China Sea make the issue the region's biggest potential military flashpoint.

China this week accused Vietnam, the Philippines and others of carrying out their own illegal building work.

While the militaries of China and the United States have worked hard to improve communication and cooperation, there is still deep mistrust. In 2013, a US guided missile cruiser narrowly avoided a collision with a Chinese warship in the South China Sea.

Wu said US surveillance operations were "totally out of step" with efforts to improve their military relations.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/109806/us-says-chinas-activity-in-south-china-sea-wont-help-peace